Differences Between The Jungle Book and The Jungle Tales of Tarzan: A Comprehensive Analysis

When discussing the intricate layers of the jungle mythology, two prominent figures often come to mind: Mowgli from The Jungle Book and Tarzan from The Jungle Tales of Tarzan. While both involve characters growing up in a wild jungle setting, the differences in their origins, stories, and cultural significance are profound and noteworthy.

Origins and Authors

Both The Jungle Book and The Jungle Tales of Tarzan are rooted in classic literature, but diverge significantly in their authorship and original context. The Jungle Book comprises stories written by Rudyard Kipling, an English writer, soldier, military officer, and poet who drew inspiration from his own experiences and the tales he heard in India during his time there.

In contrast, The Jungle Tales of Tarzan is a novel authored by Edgar Rice Burroughs, an American writer known for his adventure stories and the creation of the Tarzan character. Burroughs was inspired by the exotic imagery and stories he read, particularly those concerning the African jungle.

Character and Setting Differences

The central characters of these two narratives are markedly different. Mowgli, the protagonist of The Jungle Book, is a young boy who is taken in and raised by a pack of wolves in the lush Indian jungle. His story is one of human identity and survival within a non-human clan, offering a nuanced exploration of what it means to be human and the culture shock he experiences.

On the other hand, Tarzan is a man who is abandoned as a baby and raised by apes in the African jungle. His story focuses on the stark contrasts between his newfound human identity and the ape society he initially thrived in, along with the discovering of his true origins and the world beyond the jungle.

The settings of these stories also reflect the diverse jungles each author envisioned. While the Indian jungle in The Jungle Book is dense and full of rich flora and fauna, the African jungle in The Jungle Tales of Tarzan is portrayed as expansive and mysterious. Both settings, however, provide a vivid backdrop for the characters' journeys of growth and self-discovery.

Theme and Message

Despite the different settings, both The Jungle Book and The Jungle Tales of Tarzan share themes of survival, belonging, and the struggle between civilization and nature. However, the specific messages and underlying philosophies differ. The Jungle Book explores the concept of home and belonging through the conflict between Mowgli and the animal world, questioning what it means to be a part of a community.

In contrast, The Jungle Tales of Tarzan delves into the idea of hyphenated identity and the clash between different social setups. Tarzan struggles with his duality and the different perceptions he faces in the jungle versus his human world.

Cultural Significance and Adaptations

The Jungle Book is most famously known through Disney's animated adaptation, which brought the story to a global audience. This film represents a blend of animation and storytelling, capturing the essence of Kipling’s original prose in a visually stunning and accessible format.

The Jungle Tales of Tarzan, on the other hand, has been adapted multiple times, including by Disney with their animated series and live-action film. These adaptations reflect the enduring popularity of Tarzan as a cultural icon, often conflating different chapters of the original novel into a cohesive narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although The Jungle Book and The Jungle Tales of Tarzan share a jungle setting and themes of survival and belonging, their differences in character, setting, and cultural significance are significant. Each provides a unique lens through which to explore human identity and the complex relationship between humans and nature. Understanding and appreciating these differences enriches our overall comprehension of these literary and cinematic treasures.